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AT&T Stops 'Time', Ends An Era

Posted by Zonk on from the at-the-tone-i'm-finished dept.

theoeag writes "Starting in September, you will no longer be able to pick up a landline, payphone, etc and find out what time it is at the beep. AT&T, which has had the service since the 20s, cited a lack of demand in the digital age as the reason for "time"'s extinction. Actually, the service had already stopped in most states, but Nevada and California — with their large rural and unmapped areas — were still holding out, should the lost motorist or weary hiker need to know the time of day. But no more! The "Time Machine", which consisted of two large drum-like devices that contained several audio-tracks and a quite advanced system for syncing up with the caller, will probably end up in a museum, anxiously awaiting the arrival of its cousin: The Pay-Phone."

2 of 359 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Inevitable... by Enoxice · · Score: 5, Informative

    I think you have an extra 'N' in there somewhere...

    NTP
    NNTP

    --
    Anyone else think the comments just weren't rendering right before they turned off ABP and saw ads?
  2. Re:Inevitable... by rwoodford · · Score: 5, Informative

    If you really need to hear a talking clock, call 202-762-1401. The service is provided by the US Naval Observatory.